KRONO

Jolin

Manufacturer Page

multi-modal programmable clock generator

KRONO is a 4HP programmable multi-mode clock and rhythm generator module featuring tap tempo,
state persistence, CV group swap and 12 independent outputs.

features
• 12 Clock Outputs divided into two groups (A/B)
• 10 Operational Modes covering standard, mathematical, musical, probabilistic, and chaotic rhythms.
• Weighted Tap Tempo & External Sync
• State Persistence: Saves Tempo, Active Mode, and Swap State for each mode, retaining them across power cycles.
• Calculation Swap: Inverts functions between groups via the MOD button or external gate.
• Visual Feedback: the Status LED indicates the active mode; the Auxiliary LED signals state changes (tap, mode select, swap).
• Fixed Base Clock Outputs: Outputs 1A and 1B always provide the unmodified main clock.
• Hardware Platform: Based on CPU STM32F411.
• Open Source: Firmware developed with PlatformIO (C/C++), customizable.
• Programming: Via USB-C DFU.
• “whatever” power connector – don’t mind the polarity, it’s protected eighter way.

modes – firmware v1.0
1. Ratios: Direct multiplications and divisions of the base tempo for proportional rhythmic ratios.
2. Euclidean: Generates Euclidean rhythms by distributing K pulses over N steps.
3. Musical: Applies common musical ratios (e.g., triplets, dotted notes, predefined swing divisions).
4. Probabilistic: Outputs trigger based on defined probability thresholds for each output.
5. Sequential: Generates clocks based on mathematical sequences (Fibonacci, prime numbers).
6. Swing: Applies individual swing/shuffle levels per output, delaying even beats.
7. Polyrhythm: Assigns independent X:Y ratios to outputs; output 6 can generate a logical sum.
8. Logic: Applies logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, NAND, XNOR) between internal clocks or external inputs (if configured).
9. Phasing: Generates pulses with configurable time offsets (phase shifts) relative to the main clock.
10. Chaos: Creates unpredictable rhythmic patterns based on chaotic algorithms.
New modes will be added with upcoming firmware updates.

why
• To copy, sync and multiply clocks with algorithmic flexibility
• To generate complex, evolving, and synchronized clock patterns via multiple outputs.
• To explore algorithmic rhythms (euclidean, chaos, polyrhythms) and musical ratios.
• To sync your system using tap tempo or external clock sources.
• To instantly save and recall the state for each operational mode.

with
• Sequencers: Drive step progression with synchronized clocks and various rhythmic divisions/multiplications.
• Drum Modules / Samplers: Create dynamic, polyrhythmic, or probabilistic percussion patterns.
• Modular Effects (Delay, Chorus, etc.): Synchronize effect parameters to the master tempo.
• LFOs / Envelopes / VCAs: Trigger modulations and gates with rhythmic precision and mathematical/musical relationships.
• Logic Modules: Combine KRONO's outputs to create even more intricate trigger sequences.

how
Set the Base Tempo:
• Tap Tempo: Rhythmically press the TAP button at least 3 times. KRONO record and averages the intervals. The Aux LED blinks on each valid update. This base tempo is always present on outputs 1A and 1B.
• External Clock: Send a clock signal to the TAP input. KRONO automatically syncs after validating stable pulses and coping the external input clock. The Aux LED will blink when the new tempo is copied. At this stage you can then remove the external clock jack and use it somewhere else in your system.

Select Operational Modes:
1. Press and hold the TAP button until the Status LED becomes steady and then release it.
2. Click the MOD button X times to select mode X (two clicks will select mode 2, etc.).
3. Click TAP to confirm the selection of mode X and activate it.
• The Status LED blinks X times to indicate the active mode. The Aux LED blinks upon confirmation.
• Automatic Save: Upon confirming a mode selection, KRONO automatically saves the current tempo (from Tap or Ext Clock) and the Swap state (see below) associated with that specific mode to the internal Flash memory – this will be preserved on power cycles.

Swap Groups A/B:
• Give the MOD button a short press or send a gate signal to the MOD in to swap.
• This action inverts the function/pattern assignment between the Group A outputs (2A-6A) and Group B outputs (2B-6B). For example, in Euclidean mode, the K/N patterns swap between the two groups.
• The Aux LED blinks to confirm the swap.
• The Swap state (active/inactive) is saved along with the base tempo when selecting a mode.

Demos and other documentation at jolin.tech/krono